Robert Dwayne Womack (born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA on March 4, 1944, died J… Read Full Bio ↴Robert Dwayne Womack (born in Cleveland, Ohio, USA on March 4, 1944, died June 27, 2014), was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. Working in the soul and R&B genres, he achieved his greatest success in the 1970s and 1980s. Womack wrote and originally recorded The Rolling Stones' first UK No. 1 hit, "It's All Over Now" and New Birth's "I Can Understand It" among other songs. As a singer he is most notable for the hits "Lookin' For a Love", "That's The Way I Feel About Cha", "Woman's Gotta Have It", "Harry Hippie", "Across 110th Street" and his 1980s hit "If You Think You're Lonely Now". In 2009, Womack was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Taking after their father, who sang gospel music, Bobby Womack and his brothers formed their own group in 1952. In 1954, under the moniker Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers, the group issued the Pennant single, "Buffalo Bill". Bobby Womack was only ten years old at the time. Sam Cooke took an interest in the Womack Brothers, and they recorded for Cooke's SAR record label in the early 1960s. Renamed the Valentinos, and encouraged by Cooke to go in a more secular and commercial direction, they scored a hit with Womack's "It's All Over Now" in 1964; the Rolling Stones' version of the song became a major hit, earning Womack generous royalty payments.

Sam Cooke died in late 1964; Womack married Cooke's widow, Barbara, a short time later, creating something of a scandal. Things became even more complicated when his younger brother, Cecil, married Cooke's daughter, Linda. As a session guitarist, Womack worked at producer Chips Moman's American Studios in Memphis, and played on recordings by Joe Tex and The Box Tops. Until this point, around 1967, he had had little success as a solo artist, but at American he began to record a string of classic soul-music singles including the 1968 "What Is This" (his first chart hit), "It's Gonna Rain" and "More Than I Can Stand," all of which featured his elegant, understated rhythm-guitar work and his impassioned vocals. During this period he became known as a songwriter, contributing many songs to the repertoire of Wilson Pickett; these include "I'm in Love" and "I'm a Midnight Mover."

After moving to the United Artists label in the early '70s, he released the album Communication, and on an album with guitarist Gabor Szabo introduced his song "Breezin'," which later became a hit for George Benson. He also became known for his interesting taste in cover versions, essaying Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin' " as well as "Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)" and James Taylor's "Fire and Rain'" and "California Dreamin'." Perhaps his most well-known work from this period is as guitarist on Sly & the Family Stone's 1971 There's a Riot Goin' On.

He continued to have hits into the '70s; these include "Lookin' for a Love" (a remake of his 1962 Valentinos single), "Across 110th Street," "Woman's Gotta Have It" (covered by James Taylor in 1976), "You're Welcome, Stop on By," and the masterful "Daylight." All are excellent examples of burnished yet gritty 1970s soul music, and reveal a pop-music sensibility akin to that of Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield.

Bobby Womack's 1981 album The Poet was a surprise hit and contained the hit single "If You Think You're Lonely Now." K-Ci Hailey, a notable admirer of Womack's work, covered "If You Think You're Lonely Now" in 1994. The song is referenced in Mariah Carey's song "We Belong Together", a number-one hit in June 2005. Carey sings "I can't sleep at night /When you are on my mind / Bobby Womack's on the radio / Singing to me: 'If you think you're lonely now.'"

Film director Quentin Tarantino used "Across 110th Street" (which, in a different version, had been the title song of the 1972 movie) in the opening and closing sequences of his 1997 film Jackie Brown.

A 2003 Saab commercial shone a spotlight on Womack’s interpretation of "California Dreamin'".

In 2010, Womack contributed lyrics and sang on "Stylo" alongside Mos Def, the first single from the third Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach. Womack was told to sing whatever was on his mind during the recording of "Stylo". "I was in there for an hour going crazy about love and politics, getting it off my chest", said Womack.[4] He also provides vocals on the song "Cloud of Unknowing".

In 2010 Bobby Womack appeared on the main pyramid stage at Glastonbury with the Gorillaz.

The Bravest Man in the World Songfacts reports in 2012, Womack's first album of original material since 1994's Resurrection was released. The Bravest Man in the World was produced by Damon Albarn of Gorillaz and XL Recordings boss, Richard Russell.

Womack died on June 27, 2014 at age 70.

Check It Out
Bobby Womack Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Featuring E-40, Kurupt]
From a nickel and dime ass nigga
To a top top top....big rigga
Check it
Check it Out
Check it Out
Check it Out
Check it

Check it Out
Check it Out
Check it Out
Check it Out
Check it
be -Legit:
It ain't cell in this town that can hold
And fuck the task force 'cause them suckas tried to fold me, scold me
Told me if I move that they was blastin
Got me to the station, hella questions they be askin
Who's the Big Balla, Who supply your crew
Who got the big birdies in the box is it you?
I never said a word 'cause nigga I don't do so
You fools got some question better ask the lawyer Rouseau
Kurupt:
I'm so international
All about my cashional
18 million rational (speak mice)???
What you want fool dogg tell me what you need
'Bout a couple pints of Hennisse an eighth of weed
Seems time gettin shorter
Time to elevate from nickels, dimes up to quarters
Kurupt, be -Legit, and 40 water
Niggaz oughta
Get to Swervin'
Take a hit, hit the strip and then get to pervin'
E-40:
Squa, Squa,Squab music
Mobb Music
Right on a muthfucka and draw down on his ass music
The 213 the 41510
Pull a ho without a muthafuckin tug of war
40 Water your playa patna
Ever since the womb
I been a tycoone
Actin up (Actin up)
Actin tough (Actin tough)
Actin bad with all kinds of guns and stuff
X4
From a nickel and dime ass nigga
To a top hat ballin big rigga
Kurupt:
I got a half a ounce
And a 'four to bounce
Half a brick to flip
Large amount accounts
Live as a young nigga with loot don't count
Live as a young nigga with loot turned out
You know it ain't nothing to it but to do it
Flow like fluid
You's inlcuded
Pursue it
Subdue it
And run through it
Doin what I do is hard to maintain my composure
Ah man they came through with no douja
be -Legit:
The muthfuckin county ain't no place for the savage
A Cock hound dank smokin nigga 'bout his cabbage
But if I'm ever caught I'm a ride my shit
Divorce my broad
But nigga keep my bitch
Bury my mail in my momma backyard
Steeady poppin' chyme to correctional guards
They fucks wit my crew 'cause they claim that we be trouble
Them niggaz from the V to the H-I Double
I'm tryin to get this party tonight at this motel
A gang a bitches there
Some more on my voice mail
Bathtub full of the ice and the fifths
My homey K-1 rollin blunts at the crib
First I take a hit
Strolls like a pimp
The muthafuckin savage with the million dollar limp
Another big day for this timin ass balla
Hit the block stock in my ninety fin impala
Let them pipes holla
I know I'm looking saucy
19 shots sittin next to my 40
Snatch my knot
Shake the spot and gets far
Bitch, I'm a muthafuckin rap star
X4
From a nickel and dime ass nigga
To a top hat ballin big rigga
E-40:
I open shop with sixteenth of powder to a whole zip
To a half ham now I'm sitting kilograms
Niggaz 'spect me to the upmost 'cause I'm highly spoken 'bout
Niggaz love me because I'm all about my paper route
I keep my lawyers and my bail bondsmen paid shiiiit
For all I know they might decide to raid shiiiit
Back in the day po-po was easily out-smarted
But now they got some new and improved state of the art
be -Legit:
Now its going down am I living in the past
This modern day slavery takin' toll on my ass
You either take me in or let's this timer go
Or if you got some charges nigga let this timer know
I told you I'm a rapper
Love to entertain
Catch me on the stage with a mic spittin game
Legit's my name and you can even ask your daughter
About Kurupt, be -Legit and 40 Water
X8

From a nickel and dime ass nigga
To a top hat ballin big rigga

Overall Meaning

The song "Check It Out" is a collaboration between Bobby Womack, E-40, Kurupt, and Be-Legit. The song speaks about their rise from humble beginnings as "nickel and dime ass" individuals to "top hat ballin' big riggas." The chorus repeats the phrase "Check it out" as a testament to their success and reminds the listener to examine the story behind the transformation.

The verses of the song each represent a rapper's individual experiences with rising to fame. For example, Be-Legit speaks about being held at a police station for questioning but refusing to give up the names of his accomplices. Kurupt raps about the luxury items he now enjoys, such as bottles of Hennessy and marijuana, while E-40 speaks about his drug trade and the importance of keeping his bail bondsmen paid.

Overall, the song is a tribute to the hard work and dedication required to achieve success, while also acknowledging the risks and consequences that come with such a lifestyle.

Line by Line Meaning

From a nickel and dime ass nigga
Transitioning from being a low-level, insignificant person

To a top top top....big rigga
To becoming a highly successful and influential individual

Check it
Pay attention and listen

Check it Out
Take a closer look and examine

It ain't cell in this town that can hold
No jail or prison can contain or restrain me

And fuck the task force 'cause them suckas tried to fold me, scold me
Disregard the law enforcement team who attempted to betray or deceive me

Told me if I move that they was blastin
Warned me that if I take any action, they would respond violently

Got me to the station, hella questions they be askin
Taken to the police station and interrogated with numerous probing inquiries

Who's the Big Balla, Who supply your crew
Who is the influential person providing resources to support your group

Who got the big birdies in the box is it you?
Who possesses the valuable illegal items, possibly drugs, hidden away

I never said a word 'cause nigga I don't do so
I remained silent because I do not engage in snitching or providing information

You fools got some question better ask the lawyer Rouseau
If you have further inquiries, it is advisable to consult the lawyer Rouseau

I'm so international
I am known and respected worldwide

All about my cashional
Focused on accumulating wealth

18 million rational (speak mice)???
Referring to a large sum of money, potentially 18 million

What you want fool dogg tell me what you need
Tell me your desires and requirements

'Bout a couple pints of Hennisse an eighth of weed
Regarding the request for a few bottles of Hennessey and an eighth of marijuana

Seems time gettin shorter
It appears that time is running out

Time to elevate from nickels, dimes up to quarters
Time to progress from dealing with small amounts of drugs to larger quantities

Niggaz oughta
People should

Get to Swervin'
Start driving recklessly

Take a hit, hit the strip and then get to pervin'
Consume drugs, hit the streets, and engage in wild behavior

Squa, Squa, Squab music
Referring to the music genre associated with their group

Mobb Music
Music that represents the mob or gang culture

Right on a muthfucka and draw down on his ass music
Expressing the type of music that provokes aggression and violence

The 213 the 41510
The area codes of their respective neighborhoods or regions

Pull a ho without a muthafuckin tug of war
Attract and seduce a woman without any resistance or struggle

40 Water your playa patna
Referring to E-40 as a close friend and partner in the player lifestyle

Ever since the womb
From the moment of birth

I been a tycoone
I have always been a wealthy and successful person

Actin up (Actin up)
Behaving in a rebellious or mischievous manner

Actin tough (Actin tough)
Attempting to appear strong and intimidating

Actin bad with all kinds of guns and stuff
Engaging in dangerous and criminal activities, including possessing firearms

From a nickel and dime ass nigga
Transitioning from being a low-level, insignificant person

To a top hat ballin big rigga
Becoming a highly successful and influential individual

I got a half a ounce
I possess a significant amount of drugs

And a 'four to bounce
Along with a 40-ounce bottle of alcohol

Half a brick to flip
Aiming to sell half of a kilogram of drugs

Large amount accounts
Having access to substantial financial resources

Live as a young nigga with loot don't count
As a wealthy young person, material possessions are of little importance

Live as a young nigga with loot turned out
Being influenced and corrupted by wealth and success at a young age

You know it ain't nothing to it but to do it
There is no difficulty in achieving something once you commit to it

Flow like fluid
My rap delivery is smooth and effortless

You's included
You are part of the situation or plan

Pursue it
Continue striving for success

Subdue it
Overcome any obstacles or resistance

And run through it
Execute plans swiftly and decisively

Doin what I do is hard to maintain my composure
It is challenging to remain calm and composed while living my lifestyle

Ah man they came through with no douja
Referring to law enforcement unexpectedly raiding without a search warrant

The muthfuckin county ain't no place for the savage
The local correctional facility is not suitable for someone like me

A Cock hound dank smokin nigga 'bout his cabbage
A person who avidly seeks sexual encounters and enjoys smoking marijuana, focused on accumulating wealth

But if I'm ever caught I'm a ride my shit
If I ever get apprehended, I will take responsibility for my actions

Divorce my broad
Sever my ties with my partner

But nigga keep my bitch
However, I demand to maintain control over my female companion

Bury my mail in my momma backyard
Hide incriminating evidence at my mother's property

Steady poppin' chyme to correctional guards
Continuously communicate with prison guards in order to manipulate or control them

They fucks wit my crew 'cause they claim that we be trouble
Law enforcement targets our group because they consider us a source of problems or disturbances

Them niggaz from the V to the H-I Double
Referring to their crew from a specific neighborhood or city

I'm tryin to get this party tonight at this motel
I am attempting to organize a gathering or event at a motel tonight

A gang a bitches there
A large group of attractive women will be in attendance

Some more on my voice mail
Additional women have left messages on my voicemail

Bathtub full of the ice and the fifths
The bathtub is filled with stolen jewelry and bottles of liquor

My homey K-1 rollin blunts at the crib
My friend K-1 is smoking marijuana bluntly at my residence

First I take a hit
I consume drugs

Strolls like a pimp
Walking with a confident and authoritative demeanor

The muthafuckin savage with the million dollar limp
Referring to oneself as a powerful and wealthy person with a noticeable swagger

Another big day for this timin ass balla
Another successful and profitable day for a skilled and experienced individual

Hit the block stock in my ninety fin impala
Drive around the neighborhood in a luxury 1995 Chevrolet Impala

Let them pipes holla
Allow the sound of firearms to be heard

I know I'm looking saucy
I am fully aware of my confident and stylish appearance

19 shots sittin next to my 40
Having 19 bullets placed near my 40-ounce bottle of alcohol

Snatch my knot
Securely hold onto my significant amount of money

Shake the spot and gets far
Quickly leave the area and go to a safe location

Bitch, I'm a muthafuckin rap star
Addressing someone disrespectfully, emphasizing their status as a successful rapper

I open shop with sixteenth of powder to a whole zip
I establish a business selling drugs, starting with a small quantity and gradually increasing to larger amounts

To a half ham now I'm sitting kilograms
Progressing to selling larger quantities, such as half a kilogram

Niggaz 'spect me to the upmost 'cause I'm highly spoken 'bout
People hold me in high regard and esteem due to my reputation

Niggaz love me because I'm all about my paper route
People appreciate and admire me because I am solely focused on making money

I keep my lawyers and my bail bondsmen paid shiiiit
I prioritize compensating my lawyers and bail bondsmen to ensure my legal affairs are taken care of

For all I know they might decide to raid shiiiit
To my knowledge, they could potentially conduct a surprise police raid on me

Back in the day po-po was easily out-smarted
In the past, it was simple to outwit or manipulate the police

But now they got some new and improved state of the art
However, law enforcement has developed advanced and sophisticated techniques

Now its going down am I living in the past
Currently, the situation is deteriorating, and I question if I am outdated

This modern day slavery takin' toll on my ass
The contemporary system of oppression and control is having a negative impact on me

You either take me in or let's this timer go
Either arrest me or release me immediately

Or if you got some charges nigga let this timer know
If you have any accusations or charges against me, inform me promptly

I told you I'm a rapper
I previously mentioned that I am a hip-hop artist

Love to entertain
I have a passion for thrilling and captivating audiences

Catch me on the stage with a mic spittin game
Witness my live performance on stage, delivering poetic lyrics

Legit's my name and you can even ask your daughter
My name is Legit, and you can even inquire about me from your daughter

About Kurupt, be-Legit and 40 Water
Inquire about the reputations and characters of Kurupt, be-Legit, and 40 Water